TKR Benay's Recovery

[mendogal]

OH MY!!!

Just in case you need reinforcements....
The myth of the window of opportunity.

 

[sistersinhim]

It seems many PTs need to go back and update their training and add to it the correct therapy for after joint replacement therapy. I am so glad you know better than 'obeying' those outdated ideas of a correct way of doing it. I wish every one of our members knew this better way of rehabbing their knees. It's heart-breaking to read about so many who suffering needlessly because of the incorrect therapy for them.

 

[benne68]

Good for you, @Benay. You've got this!

 

[Layla]

Hearing "no pain no gain", "scar tissue build up", "revision", "window of opportunity" all those phrases designed to frighten,

Realistically all thanks to Bonesmart and experienced moderators for my confidence.

Glad to read your radar went up, Benay. Thanks for giving BoneSmart some credit, but it is your wisdom that recognized these buzz phrases for what they are and your confidence and courage to do a better and easier way.
Best Wishes! Enjoy the weekend!

 

[Benay]

One week Post Op

I definitely have much more pain through the night, I suspect that's due to fewer distractions. Last night I had Restless Leg Syndrome (op leg) to add to the angst. I searched the forum and got good info - I'll text my primary care doctor and see what she can do to help.
I'm awake and icing, everything looks so much clearer in the morning.

 

[Layla]

Sorry you're experiencing this, Benay, however it's fairly common.
Consider Magnesium -

Magnesium supports the following:
Bone health
Healthy blood sugar
Cardiovascular health
Muscle relaxation and nerves
Promotes healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)

An article on Magnesium -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/

I've also heard of drinking 4-6 oz of Q-Tonic before bed which is a water that contains quinine may help with spasms. My mom swears by this.
Read the label as some of the waters do not contain quinine, but quinine flavoring instead.

Wishing you a pleasant weekend with some restorative rest!
@Benay

 

[Benay]

I slept in bursts but I'm comfortable. A couple of steri strips wore off during the night - due possibly to the thrashing around - I would post a pic but unsure if that's OK. Scar looks so tidy. Icing, coffee and morning meds. I've got a new iPad arriving today - setting that up will keep me busy and distracted. I'm settling into the rhythm of the days.

 

[selketine]

I've got a new iPad arriving today

Oooooh....that's awesome! That would keep me busy haha! I have an iPad mini with the Apple Pencil and there's an app called Lake I think - anyway it's a kind of coloring book app but with some really neat artists. You can even set it to an easy mode where you can tap and the whole section fills with color - if you're not into art stuff. I watch YouTube videos and livestreams on mine as well.

Sleeping can be hard. I slept alright after surgery but now - about 2.5 weeks before my next surgery - I am really struggling with sleep. Not even 10 days out for you....I think I was still napping some at that point too!

Not sure if it was "restless leg syndrome" but my leg would involuntarily twitch at night when I was going to sleep and it would be annoying. I think this started happening a few weeks in for me and went on for awhile and eventually stopped.

Enjoy your new iPad!

 

[benne68]

I would post a pic but unsure if that's OK

Feel free to post a photo of your incision here in your thread if you looking for feedback/advice. Otherwise, we have a special thread called for specifically for sharing recovery photos:

Knee Scars - Post Your Badges of Honor Here! NO CHIT-CHAT please

 

[Benay]

One of those nights and days where the pain is sharply amplified. I'm going to have a very restful icing and elevating day. I can see the swelling is reminding me that less is more

 

[benne68]

I'm sorry your pain increased, @Benay. But your plan to ice and elevate is right. And keep reminding yourself that you are still very early days in this recovery! Slow and steady.

 

[Layla]

How are you doing today, Benay?
I hope a day of rest and icing helped. Wishing you a successful recovery and a future filled with less pain and improved mobility. Have a great week!
@Benay

 

[Benay]

So much better today but taking it very easy again. Painful lesson learnt, sadly thought I knew better.

 

[Benay]

A few days since I posted and I’m doing just fine. Swelling is still an issue so icing and elevating, keeping a balance hopefully with activity and resting I think the fact that I’m getting bored might be a positive sign. I had the surgeon’s 2 week visit and he was favorably impressed with progress, he went so far as to say he was proud of me.

PT is coming to the house and I like him and look forward to his visits. Just the beginning of week 3 and though I keep reminding myself to be patient I’m looking forward to weeks 5 and 6 which will most likely give me more independence.

I’m keep up with you all on the news feed and happy for the progress I see.

 

[benne68]

Glad to read that you are doing well, @Benay!

Your attitude is great Having been through this before, you know this recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. Keep exercising that Patience Muscle!

 

[Benay]

I've got an odd click in the knee. You don't hear a click but when I bend and straighten I can feel it and if you put your hand lightly on the knee you can feel it. There's no pain with the click but it's distracting. Hoping for some assurance that this is soft tissue and likely to resolve itself.

 

[benne68]

That clicking/clacking/clinking is completely normal! Many of us get it. My left knee, which was done last December is still quite "noisy" (no one can hear it, but me).

This article might be helpful.

Clicking/clunking knee joint after surgery

 

[mendogal]

It's the implant settling in: with or without sound, it's normal!

 

[Layla]

Hi Benay,
Many mention clicking, clunking and popping sounds, so you're not alone. More often than not noises aren’t indication of a problem. It takes time for the soft tissue to settle in with the implant and begin working smoothly. Over time it will most likely stop, so please don't let it concern you.
I hope you have a good week!
@Benay

 

[Benay]

I'd left a message for the surgeon yesterday (holiday) and he called me this morning. Confirmed, almost word for word, (though he didn't know it ) the responses I had from staff members.

Moving along here although with a click!